Laboratory Research Technician

We are looking for a highly skilled research technician in cardiovascular diseases with experience in preclinical studies in large animals and managing large international collaborations to join our research laboratory.

The Cardiometabolic MicroRNA Laboratory at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute is establishing a large pre-clinical cardiovascular animal model to investigate the effects of anti-inflammatory therapies on cardiometabolic diseases. This model will also be used to set up a new biobank and database with collaboration with Technical University Munich, Germany. In parallel rodent models of atherosclerosis are also being used, and the technician will be collecting, processing and assessing material from the rodent models.

The technician will be responsible for communications across the consortium, maintaining a biobank database, as well as receiving and processing material.

The research technician will be expected to perform molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, quantitative PCR and gene expression analysis (using Taqman).; cryosectioning and histology techniques including staining and quantification of histological samples. The technician will also be assisting researchers in preparing buffers and solutions as well as maintaining laboratory consumables supplies this will include ordering and maintaining purchase records.

Laboratory Operational Support

·      Independently process clinical and pre-clinical material for histology and molecular analysis

·      Maintain biobank databases, sample collection, record keeping

·      Perform molecular and cellular experiments, and generate laboratory data for research projects, including collecting data, testing hypotheses, and analyzing or interpreting data.

·      Isolate and propagate primary cells (hepatocyte, vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells)

·      Process and assess atherosclerosis in rodent and porcine arterial tissue

·      Perform laboratory equipment and instrument calibrations according to Standard Operating Procedures and specific work instructions

·      Revise and optimize experimental protocols, establish new experimental protocols, and organize and maintain the research environment and related inventories

Laboratory Administrative Support

·      Place a wide range of orders for laboratory supply, prepares invoices, and ensures payment are made by liaising directly with the relevant administrative teams.

·      Communicate with collaborators, in Sweden and Germany among others, for receiving and shipping samples, documents lab activities, coordinate raw materials, and facilitate the adherence to the UOHI's policies and procedures.

Requirements

·      University/Institute diploma or equivalent required, additional education a plus

·      Experience in working in a cardiovascular research laboratory with experience in collecting and processing clinical and pre­clinical material.

·      Experience in isolating vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells

·      Experience in porcine atherosclerosis model

·      Experience in rodent atherosclerosis models and in dissection of rodents, aortic en face quantification and cryosectioning of hearts including serial quantification of atherosclerosis.

·      Experience in histological preparation and analysis of rodent brain tissues.

·      Experience in molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, quantitative PCR and gene expression analysis (using Taqman).

·      Experience in cryosectioning and histology techniques including staining and quantification of histological samples.

·      History of assisting researchers in preparing buffers and solutions as well as maintaining laboratory consumables supplies, including ordering and maintaining purchase records.

·      Understanding of research projects and how to ensure problem-solving of experimental data.

·      Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Standard of Health Canada.

·      Clear understanding of laboratory technology, and federal and provincial regulatory environments.

Skills and Abilities

·      Critical, analytical, and lateral thinking, problem-solving and attention to detail.

·      Highly motivated, organized, and self-directed with excellent interpersonal skills.

·      Ability to function independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

·      Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

·      Written and verbal communication in German is considered an asset

·      Results and service-oriented skills - capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Adaptability to work on weekends and/or holidays, when required